The South Carolina offense has several playmakers who are new, or adjusting to a new position. How they ultimately contribute to the Gamecocks is still unknown, partly because they’re not all cleared to play.

Two of the potential playmakers are Dakereon Joyner, who has split time at quarterback and receiver and Jalen Brooks, who is still waiting on clearance to play immediately by the NCAA.

Joyner said focusing on one position has been a confidence-booster for him, as he only had three to four weeks of strictly work at receiver before he went back to quarterback last season, David Cloninger reported. Now he has time to focus on the finer points of playing receiver. Joyner has always been known for his speed, but now it’s when to utilize it and knowing what to do when the ball’s not in his hands.

Joyner may be most remembered in 2019 for his play in the upset win at Georgia. Despite being less than 100 percent, he came in after Ryan Hilinski was injured and went 6-for-12 for 39 yards and rushed six times for 28 yards.

Brooks, a transfer from Wingate via Tarleton State, has impressed coaches and been discussed as a potential starter alongside Shi Smith and Xavier Legette. He said it’s strange to be in that kind of position as he waits for eligibility clearance from the NCAA. Brooks said he doesn’t let that predicament affect his work on the field, and just focused on the playbook right now.

At Wingate, Brooks earned First-Team All-South Atlantic Conference honors after he caught 35 passes for 751 yards and six touchdowns.

He currently has three years to play two seasons for the Gamecocks.